Chapter 5 (1/2)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Legend of Dalit-Kamingawan

Managat quietly followed his father through the long corridor that served as the big hall of the palace, then up to the winding staircase to Head Maayo’s room.

The healer stopped in front of the arched entrance with screen made from slender but broad-surfaced kind of moss. Around the entrance was a number growing sponges that bloomed small and white flowers that seemed to dance in the flow of the calm water.

Maalam’s gloomy state was noticeable upon parting the screen and entering inside. In the middle of the room, Managat saw the terrible condition of Head Maayo. Her body laid unmoving on a huge sh.e.l.l while her long and blonde hair was spread neatly on it. Her white skin almost looked lifeless and her rosy tail with white and silver streaks on the side has already lost its vitality.

With a heavy heart, Managat closed beside the slumbering Head Maayo. He couldn’t believe that their cheerful and always enthusiastic leader had fallen seriously ill.

He knelt on the edge of the sh.e.l.l cot and held the hand of Head Maayo. It felt cold. Like life was fleeing from it. But he saw her chest rising and dropping, a sign that she’s still alive.

“Father, please, tell me what happened.”

“Forgive me, my son; but it’s regretful to say that we cannot do anything.” The healer was shaking his head.

“How could you say that?” Managat said with great sadness. “You are the most accomplished, the best, healer in Lalawod1. I am sure you can do something!”

“You do not understand, son.” Maalam came next to him and put his hand to his child’s shoulders. “There’s no cure for our beloved Head’s illness. This is why I have strongly prayed to Bathala2 that no one will ever get this illness again.”

“I do not believe, Father. Everything has a cure. Isn’t that what you always say?” Managat then kissed the hand of Head Maayo. “Please do something, Father.”

Managat felt so much grief on this situation especially since he’s very close to Head Maayo. She’s a good friend, a teacher, and a mother to him. When he was little, she’s his playmate and mentor, too. She was also the one who told him the truth that he was an orphan; that he was found from the far south of Lalawod when he’s still an egg. Despite that, Maalam, the great healer, has taken him as his true child.

His heart was truly in great pain.

Remember, aggregators have killed already too many translating sites.

Managat felt the gentle grip of Healer Maalam on his shoulder. “Son, I’m really sorry. But,” he paused. “I have a story that I want to share with you. Will you heart it out? This is a legend that my great teacher told me that was also shared to him by his great teacher and the teacher before him.”